The Doveton College Walking Club is a sports club located in Melbourne, Australia. This walking club is dedicated to promoting health and well-being within the community through regular walking activities. The club is proudly supported by the National Heart Foundation of Australia and aims to encourage individuals to lead an active lifestyle and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
The club offers a range of walking groups within a specified radius, allowing individuals to join a group that is convenient for them. These walking groups provide an opportunity for members to build connexions in their community and work towards a healthier heart together.
Walking regularly has numerous benefits, including managing weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol, reducing the risk of developing certain cancers, maintaining bone density, improving balance and coordination, and reducing the risk of falls and other injuries. The club emphasises the importance of walking as a “wonder drug” that can significantly improve physical and mental health.
Healthcare professionals can also refer their patients to the structured and supportive walking programme offered by the club. This programme complements medical care and helps individuals meet national physical activity guidelines. Whether participants prefer to walk alone or in a group, the motivational programme is designed to support and guide them towards their health goals.
Testimonials from members of the Doveton College Walking Club highlight the positive impact walking has had on their overall well-being. For example, Maria, a group walker, shares how she was able to overcome health issues and improve her diabetes and blood pressure problems through regular walking.
To join the walking community, individuals can join the Doveton College Walking Club's Facebook group. The club also provides a search feature on their website to find nearby walking groups within a specific radius. Getting started is easy – individuals can search for a group near them, register for the group, and then get in touch with the Walk Organiser who will provide all the necessary information to start walking.
The club also offers the opportunity for individuals to become Volunteer Walk Organisers and lead their own walking groups. Walk Organisers are the lifeblood of the programme and play a crucial role in planning routes, organising meeting places, and welcoming new members. The club provides training and support for Walk Organisers, as well as recognition and rewards for their efforts.
Overall, the Doveton College Walking Club is a vibrant and inclusive community of individuals who are passionate about walking and improving their overall health. Through their dedication to promoting physical activity and supporting their members, the club aims to make a positive impact on the heart health of the community.